Had a lot of fun at the NAMM show and ran into a ton of friends and acquaintances that I have not seen in a while. Although there was nothing revolutionary at the show, there was a great spirit of optimism that I have not seen in a long time. I posted my photos (not a lot) to my FaceBook page, as I post everything that I want to share with my friends and the general public.

One thing that surprised me is how many of the vendors that I do business with so many of them had a both. And in years past, I cannot remember that many vendors appearing.

I was not planning on going to NAMM this year as I was schedule to be in Asia, but my trip was cut short. So, when I knew that my plans allowed me to attend, I called my good friend and mentor Albert Siniscal. For the last past few years, Albert and I have attended NAMM to together, shared the car trip and hotel room and give us the opportunity to bond as good friends hardly ever get the chance to do any more. If nothing else, that made the trip and all over my other disappointment of cutting my Asia trip short, well worthwhile.

If hanging with Albert and walking the NAMM show wasn’t enough, I was happy to hook up with so many people that I have know for years and getting to press flesh with them.

Another highlight of this year’s NAMM show was going being invited to dinner by Matt Larson of Group One. I have known Matt for years, I’m guessing 15, but we never really got a chance to have a meal together or if we did, I can’t remember. This meal was exceptional, Matt took about 10 people to dinner with us to an exceptional restaurant The White House in Anaheim,CA. We sat at a long table and the food delicious as it were, just kept coming along with the wine and the interesting conversation.

I am not going to mention all of the attendees, but I did sit between Albert on my left and Matt on my right and directly across from, another person that I have know for and worked with for years, Doug Kocsis, of DK Capital. The highlight of the evening for me although there were many, including looking at Sarah McLachlan at the table in front of me (at least it was her from the consensus taken at our table), hearing all of the great stories of all the talent people at the table, was bonding with Doug and Matt. They are both truly intelligent, super knowledgable, hard working, compassionate about their lives, and really love what it is they do. I feel fortunate that I had that moment in time to share with them and everyone else that was at dinner that night with us. Thank you Matt.

The only bummer of the entire trip, was that when I returned home, albeit, I was gelling my hands with hand sanitizer constantly and washing them with soap every chance I got, I had caught the flu. More on to follow on this as, I have been coughing so hard, that hurt myself. ….. Stay tuned.

Last week, I did one of the most amazing things of my life and that was swim with Whale Sharks. They are huge. The whale shark is the largest non-cetacean animal in the world. The average size of adult whale sharks is estimated at 9.7 metres (31.82 ft) and 9 tonnes (20,000 lb). They are docile and gentle. But to be less than 6 inches away from one is an experience, I will never forget, as I will always remember those of you that have supported SoundBroker.com that have allowed me to have this opportunity.

14 years ago today on September 4th, I registered the domain SoundBroker.com. Since that day, I never once looked back with a regret. SoundBroker.com has changed the way people buy used equipment in the world. All of my competitors (including Ebay, which I don’t really consider a competitor) have copied some of my ideas.

What do YOU think is in Romney’s taxes that he feels it is better for him not to release them?

All is fair in love and politics? It doesn’t matter if what Harry Reid said or did is wrong or right, he did it and there is nothing anyone can do about that.

I think the bigger point is why Romney thinks it will be worse for him to release his taxes than go through this insane demand for him to release them.

I think that we all agree that if he did nothing wrong then it would be small point that he paid no taxes or he has money in offshore accounts. After all even if you are poor you still know that the rich have better ways to legally reduce their tax rates. Who doesn’t know that Buffet pays less taxes then his secretary. Does anyone really care if Romeny paid less taxes then they did? I don’t.

So my question is to everyone, what is in those taxes that is more damaging to him than not releasing them and getting all of this negative media attention? Because the way I see it, if he can keep the message on the economy, he will surely win the election. Yet, he continues to let his failure to release his taxes be the focal point.

Just think if Romney releases his taxes and he has nothing to hide, he will make Harry Reid look more of a fool than he already does, and he can then define campaign with his message. Because if there is nothing to hide and he doubles down and continues to refuse to release them, he is not only a bigger fool than Harry Reid, but he is so stubborn that he is not thinking clearly.

So I am very serious when I ask all of you have commented so far, to reply to my question: What do you think is in those taxes that he feels it is better for him not to release them?

Hope you are staying cool this summer. It hit 114 degrees in Vegas last week and it is only July. Just imagine how hot it would have been if it wasn’t a dry heat. Fortunately for me I was working out of my place in Rio and here it is winter. How hot was it where you were?

I would really appreciate it if you would buy like your life depended on it and place multiple orders, every day this week, that way we would be so busy, we wouldn’t notice the heat. FYI: I will be back in the Vegas office on Monday, so I will feel the heat if you don’t.

Actually I will feel the heat of the Las Vegas sun whether you buy or not, but if you buy a lot, I won’t care how the weather is (but even if you don’t buy, you still must be impressed that I was able to use both whether and weather in the same sentence).

June 2012 is now in the past! July is the present and will be for another 31 days. Just think that there is only a few more days and we Americans will be celebrating our Independence Day on July 4th.

I have been thinking about the 4th of July and what Independence Day means to me. Having traveled as much as I do, I have noticed that wherever I go, the United States is still the place where almost everybody that doesn’t live in the United States wants to live. How their vision of what it is to live in the US is based on television shows and photos from the news. True our standard of living is higher than most, but not everybody living in the United States is living the “American Dream”.

I guess before you can determine if you are living the “American Dream” you must define what the “American Dream” is. Is it the same for everyone? Is there a standard definition?

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia defines it as: The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States; a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work.

The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the United States Declaration of Independence which proclaims “all men are created equal” and that they are “endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights” including “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Lets go with that definition, not only because I believe that it is well stated and correct, but it transcends me to exactly where I want it to take me and that is my life and my pursuit of happiness.

Sure I work hard! Sure I put in the time! Long hours and hard work, I say, “Bring it on”. I don’t think there is a soul that knows me that would not agree that I am one honest hard working individual. It is built into my DNA and belief system that lives by the fun is in the journey towards accomplishing worthwhile goals.

I also believe that I have achieved by all standards of the definition that I have obtained the dream “prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work,” but to quote Oliver, “Can I have another”?

What I mean by that is, sure I own modest house, a Mercedes, and a Rolex, but, and here is the big question, “Do I have enough to retire and not worry if I will have enough to make it to my end days in the lifestyle I am accustomed to?”. My answer is always the same: “Only if I want to live in a third world country and live to 70”. Not the answer I want to hear.

It is with that thought in mind that I have come up with the ultimate retirement strategy all based on a 1967 Beatles’ song: “With a Little Help from My Friends” written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, released on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album sung by Ringo Starr. And may introduce to you the one and only Jan Landy 2025 (or sooner) Retirement Fund.

My plan is simple, if there are enough people out there that I have provided with service or advice without reward, or anyone that has nothing better to do with a dollar or more, now would be a good time to repay the favor and go to The Jan Landy 2025 (or sooner) Retirement Fund https://www.soundbroker.com/retire.bv and assist me to obtain a better life style in retirement. I thank you, and the people in that third world nation (who will be happy that I am not living there) thank you.

Just spent the last 2 days with one of my closest childhood friends (we have known each other for over 55 years) and loved every second of it, except when he left. It is amazing how much there is to do in Vegas, if you put your mind to it. And yet, last night we stayed in and cooked dinner and talked. Talked and talked and talked and it could have been the best night I ever had since I have been in Vegas.

I could not not help but think of the line from John Lennon “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” and Harry Chapin “She was going to be an actress and I was going to learn to fly.”

I wonder how many people actually live out their childhood dreams of an occupation? I am happy, but I am not a cowboy, maybe because I am not a cowboy.

The feeling that I experienced was worth the wait. We set up the plans for this visit about two years ago. That was due to Gary’s schedule, not mine. I find it hard to plan for anything more than a week in the future, but Gary does not seem to have that same infliction as he has his life travels planned way into the future. It is good to have money and it is good not to have to work except when you want to and if you want to. I do not have that luxury, I have to work if I want to maintain my current standard of living, which is a scary thought if you take into account my age. How many more working years do I have left? and do I want to work them all. Some people I know have no choice, they work until they drop, I might be one of those, but it bothers me to think that I am, so I work hard, save my money and play hard and spend my money. What a life I am living. Las Vegas, Rio, NY, and one day Paris. But I digress.

When I made the plans with Gary, I was living in Vegas & Rio de Janeiro every six weeks I would bounce back from one city to another. I am truly fortunate that I have been able to set up my business that I can run it from anywhere in the world that I have a high speed internet connection and my tools, my MacBook Pro, Vonage & Skype, iPad and iPhone, portable scanner, a jar of peanut butter, Gatorade G2, my meds and face cream.

Now my life seems to have changed as I have a met and fallen in love with a Brazilian woman that does not have a visa to the US and I am finding myself spending more time in Brazil then ever before. Because of this, I had to plan to return to Vegas to meet Gary as agreed. That was much harder to do then I thought it would be, as I miss my love more than I thought I would. But being a man of commitment or at least so I think I am, I arrived back in Vegas, before Gary and was here to meet him when he arrived.

I had not seen Gary in two years. The last time we met it was up in Portland, OR and I was dating a woman that Gary was right about, she was no good. Gary on the other hand was dating the perfect woman for him and as it turns out somewhere in the last two years, they got married.

I was not sure what to expect when I saw him, although we chat on Skype regularly, it is just not the same as being close enough to feel the presence of another. The interesting thing about being with an old and dear friend that knew you before you knew yourself and knows how you got to where you are today, is that the adjustment period is non existent. The second your eyes meet and you exchange that warm and sincere hug that it is good to see you and be in your presence again, it is the second that you cannot remember what it was like not to be with that person. Its like you were never separated. There is no awkward moments. You are accepted and cherished instantaneously and vice-a-versa.

One of the things that happens when you get together with someone that knows you since you have been five is that you can share every thought that comes to your mind without the fear of being judged. It is so enlightening that it becomes magically and spiritual. There are times when you don’t even have to speak, but, just a glance in certain way or a raise or lower of an eyebrow, or just a smile. And I guess with the physical change of aging that happens to us, the one thing that does remain the same is your smile. How wonderful is it to see someone you love smile.

Gary arrived on Thursday night at 5 pm and just left Sunday morning at 8 am. A short stay at best, but a wonderful experience. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to bond with him in person again, it has renewed in my life the feeling of belonging to a club that is exclusive and rare and meaningful. In a world where so many friendships are fleeting or motivated by a need or business necessity, I feel so privileged to share a 55+ year old friendship based on love and understanding.

Words alone cannot express, how much I look forward to our next meeting.

Having a great time here in Rio de Janeiro. There is something very special about a city that my name is embedded into, makes me feel connected with rio de JANeiro. Also if you say it fast it sounds like dinero, and who doesn’t like the sound of money?

Yesterday, I took my motorcycle out for a long ride it was a lot of fun. Went to Barra Shopping in Barra Tijuca. I love it down here. Much better quantity of fun and friends. Never bored always have something to do as the beach is only a block from my apartment. Have tons of friends and all of them are either on vacation or retired, so for the most part, I always have someone, but usually a group of friends do do things with.

The other thing that I like is that here in Rio, I am living an urban life, where is in Vegas, I am living a suburban one. Here, when I want to go out and do something, I walk out of my door, into the elevator which actually adjoins my door (there are only 2 apartments per floor to share the elevator) and I am on the streets of Copacabana, which is a bustling city.

Next door to my building, is a 24/7 quality luncheonette and on the other is my gym. On my street alone there is 3 places to exchange money & travel agencies, A Havaianas Footwear, 5 restaurants (Japanese, French, Brazilian (2), and the luncheonette, a laundry, Betto’s tattoos, a tailor, a jewelry store and a lingerie store, and that is just what I can remember.

When I walk out of the door in Vegas, there are other houses. If I want to do anything, I have to drive to get there. Here I can walk, take a bus, taxi or subway to get where I want to go.

I look at it this way in Rio: Flip-flops and tank tops. Vegas: Shoes and shirts

But even with all of that going on there is even more that I like about being in Rio and that is the time difference between Las Vegas. I love the night. I have always been and always will be more of a night person than a day person. There is something about the night that brings out my creativity and imagination. And here is the best part, when it is winter in Vegas, there is a 6 hour time difference and when vegas goes into daylight savings time there is a 4 hour one. That means that no matter how late I go to sleep, I am going to be up in plenty of time to start my day when my office opens in Las Vegas at 7:30 am.

Oh by the way, did I mention that the US dollar buys you 1.75 of the Brazilian Reals?

Having a great time here in Rio de Janeiro. There is something very special about a city that my name is embedded into, makes me feel connected with rio de JANeiro. Also if you say it fast it sounds like dinero, and who doesn’t like the sound of money?

Yesterday, I took my motorcycle out for a long ride it was a lot of fun. Went to Barra Shopping in Barra Tijuca. I love it down here. Much better quantity of fun and friends. Never bored always have something to do as the beach is only a block from my apartment. Have tons of friends and all of them are either on vacation or retired, so for the most part, I always have someone, but usually a group of friends do do things with.

The other thing that I like is that here in Rio, I am living an urban life, where is in Vegas, I am living a suburban one. Here, when I want to go out and do something, I walk out of my door, into the elevator which actually adjoins my door (there are only 2 apartments per floor to share the elevator) and I am on the streets of Copacabana, which is a bustling city. Next door to my building, is a 24/7 quality luncheonette and on the other is my gym. On my street alone there is 3 places to exchange money & travel agencies, A Havaianas Footwear, 5 restaurants (Japanese, French, Brazilian (2), and the luncheonette, a laundry, Betto’s tattoos, a tailor, a jewelry store and a lingerie store, and that is just what I can remember. When I walk out of the door in Vegas, there are other houses. If I want to do anything, I have to drive to get there. Here I can walk, take a bus, taxi or subway to get where I want to go.

I would look at it in Rio flip flops are my daily foot ware and in Vegas, it is shoes.

But even with all of that going on there is even more that I like about being in Rio and that is the time difference between Las Vegas. I love the night. I have always been and always will be more of a night person than a day person. There is something about the night that brings out my creativity and imagination. And here is the best part, when it is winter in Vegas, there is a 6 hour time difference and when vegas goes into daylight savings time there is a 4 hour one. That means that no matter how late I go to sleep, I am going to be up in plenty of time to start my day when my office opens in Las Vegas at 7:30 am.

Oh by the way, did I mention that the US dollar buys you 1.75 of the Brazilian Reals?